Speer to lose interim tag; to be named city manager

Ridgecrest City Council announced that Dennis Speer would be selected as to permanently fill the city manager's position – with one caveat.

By Jack Barnwelljbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

Ridgecrest City Council announced that Dennis Speer would be selected as to permanently fill the city manager's position – with one caveat.According to City Attorney Keith Lemieux, Speer still needs to review the agreement before it has been signed and the council can approve an at-will contract between the two parties.Speer indicated that the past few weeks had not afforded him the time to look at the agreement, in large part due to meetings.Speer has served as interim city manager since Aug. 2012 when the previous one, Kurt Wilson, left after two years to take a position as deputy city manager in Stockton.Speer filled the position in addition to his role as the city's public works director.When Speer officially steps into the role at a future date, he will also be continuing his role as public works director.“For the time being Mr. Speer will continue those duties as the city cannot afford to replace that position just yet,” Lemieux said. “But the goal is to as expressed by the city council would be to have that position filled as soon as it was financially viable.”The city forewent a decision to recruit a permanent replacement through a corporate firm, instead relying on more traditional avenues like advertising in professional journals and newspapers.Lemieux said that Speer's position would be based on a salary of $158,000 per year to begin.Resident Al Huey, while commending the council's selection of Speer, criticized the salary given the city's current austere budget situation.Lemieux said that Speer was making a lot less than Wilson while wearing an additional hat as public works director.“For what it's worth the city is getting more value and bang for the buck,” Lemieux said.Resident Michael Neel commended the council on the decision.“I really appreciate this decision and I think you got the best man for the job,” Neel said. “Congratulations.”Following the meeting, Speer confirmed that it was not yet official until the paperwork was signed.“I think it is an awesome responsibility and I do hope to live up to their expectations” Speer said. “Playing this dual role as City Manager and Public Works Director is primarily a cost-saving reason. We are going to continue that until our heads are above water.”